Cum Laude Induction Ceremony

...in the Spring of 2011 (James E, Alexander D, Saya J, Jake K and Vivian S) welcomed the new members at a pinning ceremony in the Mansion Conference Room, followed by a keynote address by Ms. Arna Ionescu, CSUS Class of 1996, who works at IDEO. Her talk was titled, “The Labyrinths of Life.”  Following a question and answer period, Acting Chapter President Deb Hunt hosted a dessert for the chapter, its new members, their families and friends.

The newly elected Cum Laude seniors are Casey C, Andrea C, Savi H, Andrew L, Marissa M and Syed M. The new juniors are Denise A, Peter B, Kristen C, Mindy M, John S, Arda U, and Joule V. View more photos in Media Gallery>>

Twenty percent of each graduating class may be elected to Cum Laude, with up to ten percent being chosen during their junior year. The national society emphaiszes Arete (Excellence), Dike (Justice) and Time (Honor) rather than the competition for academic grades. A high prioirity is placed on ethical behavior, generosity of spirit and intellectual curiosity. Criteria for election to the CSUS Chapter of this national society  include a minimum grade point average of 3.75 and,

• Students who have taken Honors/AP and/or five solids are to be given priority whenever there is an overabundance of students eligible on purely GPA grounds.
• Students MUST be in good social and academic standing with the school. (No students are eligible who have broken major school rules or been suspended.)
• Students must have attended CSUS for at least three consecutive semesters before being considered for membership.
• The Chapter chooses to favor those students who a.) challenge themselves in the classroom; b.) give generously of their knowledge to others; c.) frequently choose the more difficult path and d.) set a scholastic example for others.
• For election in the junior year especially, a student should demonstrate a genuine sense of scholarship and love of learning rather than simple attainment of grades.